For this activity, watch the Frontline report (2013, October 22), Hunting the Nightmare Bacteria [54 minutes]produced by Rick Young, which follows 3 cases of antibiotic resistance and their treatment in the United States. You can watch the entire film (it is very thought-provoking), but questions will only pertain to the first case (approximately the first 12 mins). After watching the film, answer the following questions:

Addie’s condition worsened relatively quick, and her mother wondered, “How did she get so sick? How did this happen so fast?” How would you answer her questions in terms of what you know about the biology of bacteria and their environmental requirements?

Dr. Sean Elliot mentions “community-associated MRSA.” In your own words, explain what MRSA is, where it can be found, and how Addie likely acquired the infection through community-associated transmission.

How did Addie’s condition worsen after the ECMO? From what you have learned in class, what steps can hospital’s take to decrease the probability of this happening so often?

1. How might you reduce your own risk of acquiring resistant microbial forms? Do you believe it is something preventable?